A beverage is no longer simply a thirst quencher or a pick-me-up. Drinks are part of consumers’ identity and something for them to look forward to during a break in a busy or stressful day.
Customers are excited to purchase drinks that express their personalities and are looking for creative ways to make beverages their own. Drinks must be exciting, maybe even Instagrammable, and, of course, delicious.
Drinks are part of the “little treat culture” that has been rising in popularity over the past few years. According to market research firm Circana, 62% of surveyed adults say little treats, like beverages or snacks, are critical to self-care. More than half of Gen-Zers indulge in these treats once a week.
For many, these indulgences are sodas, milkshakes, and coffees. And 35% of surveyed consumers said c-stores were the place to grab these little treats. It’s no wonder consumers often visit convenience stores after work or during long drives. Consumers say these little treats help combat the stresses of adulthood. And what better time to reach for a treat that perks you up and feels personalized than after a hard day of work or being stuck in traffic?
Consumer and convenience considerations
Beverages are a competitive category, particularly coffee. Four of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the U.S. are coffee companies, according to a 2024 report from the market research company Datassential.
With this competition in mind, c-stores need to offer an array of brands and options, while also considering convenience and cost. A variety of brands can be the driving force behind visits. Approximately 22% of surveyed c-store consumers have increased their foodservice purchases at convenience stores because they like the brands offered, and 44% consider c-store foodservice customization important when deciding to visit a convenience store, according to Technomic.
If a c-store isn’t working with the right supplier, those endless brands and customization options can overwhelm staff when ordering and managing supplies. Sunny Sky Products offers convenience stores a one-stop shop for the beverages consumers crave, and the products c-stores need to compete.
A supplier that offers a total beverage solution
Sunny Sky Products is a leading manufacturer of innovative beverage solutions, offering hot, cold, and frozen beverages, as well as beverage enhancer products. The company can assist c-stores in eye-catching graphics to draw customers to new and exciting beverages, including LTOs. And their globally recognized brands market themselves on the beverage counter and include consumer favorites, like Sour Patch Kids, Hershey’s, Trolli, Nerds, Jolly Rancher, Reese’s, and Arizona. Sunny Sky Products' capabilities include on-trend products like dirty soda, boba, and functional beverages.
Streamline your ordering process with partners like Sunny Sky Products, that offer complete beverage solutions. While the demands of modern c-store consumers can feel overwhelming, meeting them is easy with Sunny Sky Products.
This post is sponsored by Sunny Sky Products